Giving Patterns a Tweak

A few weeks ago, my husband and I were invited to a  very formal wedding. The dress code was, "black tie invited." I knew that some would wear cocktail dresses, but I really wanted to go along with the formal aspect of the wedding.

I had purchased a gorgeous piece of silk charmeuse from Tessuti in Australia.  The print is of Venice and the colors are like liquid floating across the fabric. I was so happy that I jumped on it when I saw the fabric as it sold out very quickly.

Because it's summer, I wanted something that was easy to wear but would still feel formal. So, I ended up with a simple gathered skirt and a draped blouse that I pulled together with a matching sash.

The blouse is also made from a piece of silk.

I had just enough of both fabrics to create the sash. To give the sash some body, and keep it from collapsing, I interfaced it with 1 layer of fusible knit.

To create the blouse, I used an old Tom and Linda Platt  pattern. I liked the drape of the neckline, but wanted more drape and softness.

Since the pattern is for a dress rather than a blouse, I determined just how much length I would need and then cut away the extra from the bottom.

To create the look that I wanted at the neckline, I simply cut the front open along the center and spread it 3".  

The side seams were tapered in as I also did not want a flared hem.

So often we get lured into purchasing patterns that we really already have in our collection. All it takes is a bit of tweaking to get them to be exactly what we want. So I encourage you to do a thorough inventory of your patterns and the next time you see a design that you would like to recreate, look thorough the patterns that you already have and think about giving them a tweak!    

My Favorite Vacation Momento

One of my favorite things to do whenever I travel is to shop for fabric. I love coming home with a new treasure, and once the piece has been made into something new, I get to wear the memory of my trip.

Believe it or not, antique stores can be a great resource for fabric. There's a little shop in Galveston called Somewhere In Time where I typically find a new treasure...or 2 ;) The shop owner has an eye for vintage fabrics, trims, sewing notions, as well as quilt blocks. 

On this trip, I found this fabulous gold and black piece for $5.00. It's an upholstery remnant. Those of you who have followed the blog for sometime know that I LOVE the Home Dec department. You can find the most interesting pieces, so make it a part of your shopping experience. The black areas of the fabric are chenille like, but I think it will pair beautifully with black velvet. 

Not exciting, but a great bargain, 4 yards of chambray for $8.00. I initially thought of doing a shirt for my husband, and I still may. 

         

But the piece below that I saw while in Galveston has me so inspired, so I may just decide to stretch at least some of the fabric and do a little painting. Hey, at $2.00 a yard, a little creative endeavor is worth it.

A must stop on any trip to Houston is High Fashion Fabrics. On this trip, I had the luxury of spending all the time I wanted as no one was waiting for me. I saw lots of beautiful pieces, but I ended up buying just this piece of metallic knit. Our Haute Couture Club will be viewing the Mainbocher Exhibit at the Chicago History Museum for our annual holiday party. Our workshop chairman wants us to make up the Ginger Jeans from Closet Case Files and wear them to the event. I'm making a pair of black jeans and I wanted to dress them up a bit, so I thought this piece would do the trick. 

I met a friend for lunch on Saturday. Another restaurant that I especially enjoy is called Shade and it's in what was at one time the downtown area of The Heights until it was incorporated into Houston. The area has retained it's charm with antique stores and vintage shops. My friend walked in with a bag, but I assumed she had been shopping. After she sat down, she said that she had been going through her fabric and had decided that there were pieces that she would never use. She went on to tell me that she thought 2 pieces were something I would enjoy, so presents!!!!

The first piece is a gorgeous piece of cobalt blue silk with  copper flowers and vines. 

While I was at High Fashion Fabrics, I took the time to shop around for fabric colors that I would like to line the piece with and I just may do a jacket with a copper lining. If you look below, the centers of the flowers are calling, at least to me ;), for beads, so this may end up being a beading project as well.

The second piece is another piece of silk. 
  

I love the geometric aspect of the embroidery. I have no idea of what I would like to do with this piece, so I think I will let it sit on my dress form and see if it speaks to me. You know, fabric can talk!!! If you have any ideas, I'm up for suggestions too!

Another friend gifted me 2 fabulous pieces of plaid that make my Celtic heart sing! There's enough of the red plaid for a ballgown, but I think I will keep it simple. I'm loving all the plaid pieces that everyone is showing for the fall/winter season. 

This piece has really grown on me. It has a mustard gold back ground with red, black and white in the plaid. This piece may end up not being used in a traditional manner. 

So this picture is looking a little more realistic of what I looked like on my way home!!! If it were, can you imagine the baggage fees?!!!

Have a wonderful day and I hope you get a little time to sew :)